Tiffany Monique Jones

Why he lives in metro Detroit: Detroit has made tremendous strides in the last few years. I work downtown and see improvements each year from the new areas around Comerica Park and Ford Field to the Campus Martius and the Detroit Riverwalk areas. It is wonderful to see the revitalization of Woodward Ave, the DIA renovations and the creation of upscale lofts and condos right in the downtown area. And entertainment – what is better than the Motown experience? From Cobo Hall to the FOX Theatre to the Opera House, to Greektown, Detroit has a long history as a great source of entertainment. Detroit also provides a great mixture of high profile organizations that enable leaders to get involved and participate in the decision making process. Leadership Detroit, for example, is designed to enhance the leadership skills of individuals who can then become actively involved in making positive changes in Detroit and the region. After four years in the Detroit area (and marrying the man of my dreams in 2006) I can’t imagine living anywhere else. To make Detroit more appealing to others under 30, the region should continue its vision of creating a vibrant, safe, enjoyable downtown. The number one concern I hear from family and friends that live in the downtown area is not lack of entertainment but lack of shopping options. From grocery stores to shopping centers, Detroit residents want the same amenities that are offered to their suburban counterparts. Having lived and worked in downtown Indianapolis, I saw many attractions that we could use to enhance the downtown Detroit experience. I would like to see more major retailers in the downtown area, not just boutiques. We must increase the opportunities for people to come to the downtown area, park their cars and just walk to points of interest. It would be nice to park your car and have a variety of options at your fingertips. From fast food to fine dining, from clubs and bars to sporting events, from concerts to parks, from little boutiques to franchise stores – that would make Detroit more appealing.